Deanston
Scotland, Highland Single Malt Whisky
$61.44/750ml
92.6 proof
This review has been a long time coming, as this is a bottle I’d received as gift this past Christmas. I’m usually quite excited to give my thoughts on these gifts, but alas, other bottles, casks, and glasses simply got in the way.
Those who know me know that I love a good Scotch. I love the peat. I love the smoke. I love the earthy flavor and the subtle textures. There’s simply nothing — nothing at all — quite like a good Scotch whisky.
But what about those that go against the grain? True, there are plenty of medicinal, peaty flavors to be had around the wide world of Scotch, but still there are products that eschew the normal flavors and textures, and command a new respect.
Deanston distillery is nestled on the banks of the River Teith, just a short drive from historic Stirling. Although it’s a new name to me, it’s a name that has a rich and storied history dating all the way back to 1500, when the Dean of Dunblane, Walter Drummond, inherited the lands (later to be called Deanston) from the Haldanes of Gleneagles.
Sounds otherworldly, but that’s just how the story goes.
From this whisky’s uniquely designed box:
It’s sometimes said, when it comes to age, the trick is to grow up without growing old and we think we’ve captured this very sentiment with Deanston Virgin Oak. We’ve taken a selection of ‘young’ Deanston single malt, married them together and added a wee ‘twist’ by ‘finishing’ the liquid in some freshly-charred new oak barrels (all the way from the USA).
Call ‘finishing’ a ‘fine balancing act’ if you will, as this subtle process adds a mature intensity to the flavors in our whisky, while still keeping a certain youthful zest and elegant charm. It’s pretty amazing stuff… or at least we think so!
Deanston’s Virgin Oak offering is a unique whisky that stands alone in my collection. The liquid pours like any other — a shimmering amber glow atop clean ice, or neat, or with a splash of filtered water, but it’s the nose and the flavors which give me pause.
On the nose this whisky is actually sweet, and not unlike Bourbon in a strange way. Hints of citrus and virgin oak envelope the senses — bold, yet mild; it’s delightfully indescribable.
The flavors present in this drink are equally as intriguing, as you’ll notice dried fruit flavors, that of apricots and a smattering of molasses. The virgin oak introduces a very slight bite to an extremely complex profile.
The finish is light, spicy, and sweet. It’s a long and satisfying finish; one you won’t wish to end.
Unlike any Scotch whisky I’ve ever had the pleasure of tasting, Deanston’ Virgin Oak was an incredible and delightful surprise.